Cranbrook took centre stage as a film crew descended on the town for a new murder mystery TV series.

Shops in Stone Street were turned into a pub, a record store and a travel agent as work continued on a three-part series called Queens of Mystery.

Bosses from Acorn Media - the company behind classics such as Midsomer Murders - first contacted firms earlier in the summer to propose the filming, insisting they will stay and spend money in the town, in a bid to boost the local economy.

The 40-strong crew remained in the area throughout the day, as onlookers tried to grab a sneak peek of the drama, which follows three crime-writing sisters and their niece, a detective sergeant, who join forces to solve murders in the picturesque fictional village of Wildemarsh.

Businesses involved in the filming process signed a confidentiality agreement not to discuss the filming, however one witness said: “It was very exciting, and interesting to see how they went about things, it was all very slick.

“They were looking for a quaint English town, and Stone Street is quite pretty, particularly with the windmill in the background.

“Everyone was really pleased to see it happening, it definitely caused a nice buzz.”

Bridget Veitch, chairman of Cranbrook Parish Council, said: “Film crews very rarely donate anything to the town in compensation on the basis that all this kind of publicity is good for the town, so I would love it if we were to benefit as a result.”

She added:“It was certainly a big presence with a substantial crew and people seemed to be interested.”

Julie Graham, Andrew Leung, Siobhan Redmond, Martin Trenaman and Olivia Vinall are among those starring in Queens of Mystery, which is set to air next year.